MyLab X1 Vet Go | Esaote
Independent machine review
Dr Camilla Edwards reviews the MyLab X1 Vet Go.
Read the full review, along with more about the expert behind this review below.
About Camilla...
The expert behind this independent review!
Dr Camilla Edwards, a peripatetic veterinary ultrasonographer in
Cambridge, founded FOVU First Opinion Veterinary Ultrasound in
2018 after earning her veterinary degree in 2006. Camilla's
veterinary ultrasound expertise is widely recognised through her
numerous lectures, ultrasound machine reviews, podcasts, online courses, and exclusive membership to help veterinary professionals master and confidently use ultrasound.
FOVU is a worldwide source of veterinary ultrasound expertise, with
a primary mission to educate, support, and empower veterinary
professionals in improving their ultrasound skills. FOVU’s goal is to
increase confidence in operating ultrasound machines and improve
scanning skills to diagnose patients effectively.
Esaote MyLab X1 Vet Go Review
What the manufacturers say:
With its compact design and ultra-light weight, the MyLab™X1 Go is your reliable partner for assisting with care wherever it is needed. Cleanable and durable, the MyLab™X1 Go’s customizable interface and gesture-driven touchscreen mean you can use it anywhere with confidence, while its extended operating time ensures you are always ready for scanning, no matter where care takes you.
With highly detailed imaging, MyLab™X1 Go provides you with the information you need to help you make clear decisions and deliver care.
PRICE: £5-10K
Specifications
Standard Configurations
Ultra-light (1.2 kg with stand) construction and sleek design for enhanced mobility and on-the-go scanning.
8’’ full HD touchscreen with intuitive workflow - compatible with gloves
Automatic image optimization and intelligent measurements for a simplified workflow.
High Cleanability
Fast Start - Quick 30-second boot-up with direct access to probe and preset selections for fast response i
Extended battery life - approx 1.5 hours + a removable Li-ion battery to extend battery life even further.
Secure connectivity
Blutooth connection
USB-C port
What do I think?
I recently had the opportunity to trial the Esaote MyLab X1 Go Vet, and I found myself genuinely unsure where this machine fits in the market. It sits in an awkward middle ground — not compact enough to have the freedom and simplicity of a true handheld, and not substantial enough to offer the ergonomics and workflow of a laptop-style machine. For me, it ended up with some of the drawbacks of both, without fully delivering the advantages of either.
Settings and Usability
Settings scored 4/5 overall, and one thing I genuinely liked was that there are two ways to achieve both depth and gain adjustment, which is a thoughtful touch that suits different scanning styles. However, taking measurements requires practice and doesn't feel as slick as on other machines in this bracket. One small but notable quirk: the power button requires a long press to switch on, which sounds trivial but contributes to a sense that the workflow isn't quite as polished as it could be.
Downloading Images
Something I have not encountered before with any other machine: I found downloading images to USB unexpectedly tricky. In a busy clinical setting, anything that slows down image handling becomes noticeable very quickly, and this is worth bearing in mind.
Portability and Build
Portability scores 5/5 in the sense that the machine is easy to move around, but it is worth understanding what that means in practice. It is not wireless, and there is a separate screen to carry, which means it doesn't have the true grab-and-go freedom of a handheld. The probe cable length is also on the short side, which can be limiting when positioning around the patient. Robustness scores 3/5, reflecting these practical considerations.
Image Quality
Overall Value
Summary
In summary, the Esaote MyLab X1 Go Vet will scan, and the microconvex probe is perfectly serviceable for basic abdominal work. But if cardiac imaging matters to you, or if you need a machine with a clear portable identity, it is worth exploring other options before committing.
MyLab X1 Vet Go Overall Score
My scores
Ease of settings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Image quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value for money ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Robustness ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Portability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not sure what machine is right for you?
When people talk to me about ultrasound machines, they are often overwhelmed by the choice and unsure about what machine is best for their practice.
In my experience, the most important factor that everyone is looking for is the best image quality for their budget.
To ease the overwhelm, I've designed a quiz that explores your needs and budget. By answering key questions, you'll streamline your search and receive a tailored recommendation for the perfect machine that suits your practice.
